Engineering student in class

Pre-Masters in Engineering

About this route

The Engineering Pre-Masters programme provides the subject knowledge, language proficiency and study skills you need to progress to postgraduate degree study in a related field at the University of Surrey.

During the one and two-semester programme you will study a core unit of general subject skills and subject-specific units, which are carefully designed for your academic development.

Modules

Academic English Skills

The Academic English Skills module teaches students the specific academic language skills they need to develop for success at the University of Surrey. The course focuses on the receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills through practice in semi and authentic task-based activities which build a strong foundation in preparation for each student's future studies. This critical module places particular emphasis on developing academic reading and research skills; research-based writing along with presentation and seminar speaking skills.

Computational Mathematics

The module introduces students to essential mathematical concepts and computational techniques required for postgraduate study in technical fields. It covers topics such as numerical methods, matrix operations, and differential equations, with a focus on real-world applications in science and engineering. Students will develop skills in using MATLAB for solving mathematical problems, visualising solutions, and applying advanced techniques to analyse and address complex challenges.

By the end of the module, students will have the knowledge and computational skills necessary to apply mathematical principles effectively in their further studies and professional careers.

Quantitative Methods

The module aims to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required to analyse and interpret data using statistical techniques. The module introduces a range of statistics topics, alongside the application of statistics software to real-world data. It equips students with the analytical and quantitative skills needed for informed decision-making in their subject areas.

Research Methods

This module develops essential research skills, covering qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods. It guides students through the entire research process, focusing on ethics, literature reviews. Sustainability is integrated into the module, teaching students to evaluate environmental and social impacts and apply sustainable practices in research design. By the end, students will be equipped to conduct rigorous, ethical, and sustainable research proposal.

Academic English Skills

The Academic English Skills module teaches students the specific academic language skills they need to develop for success at the University of Surrey. The course focuses on the receptive (listening and reading) and productive (speaking and writing) skills through practice in semi and authentic task-based activities which build a strong foundation in preparation for each student's future studies. This critical module places particular emphasis on developing academic reading and research skills; research-based writing along with presentation and seminar speaking skills.

Advanced Mathematics

This module provides students with a comprehensive understanding of advanced mathematical concepts and techniques essential for solving complex problems in business, economics, and STEM-related fields. Through the study of advanced topics, students will develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills, enabling them to address real-world challenges in their chosen pathways.

The module focuses on applying advanced mathematical methods—such as calculus, integration, and matrix algebra—to optimise and solve problems effectively. Students will also learn to connect mathematical theories to practical scenarios, enhancing their ability to apply concepts within industry-relevant contexts.

Quantitative Methods

The module aims to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills required to analyse and interpret data using statistical techniques. The module introduces a range of statistics topics, alongside the application of statistics software to real-world data. It equips students with the analytical and quantitative skills needed for informed decision-making in their subject areas.

Research Project

This module equips students with the advanced research skills and critical thinking abilities essential for postgraduate study and professional success. It enables students to undertake independent research on a topic of their choice, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical application. By aligning their research with one or more of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), students will be encouraged to tackle real-world challenges, fostering sustainability and global responsibility. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the research process, including the formulation of research questions, methodologies, and ethical considerations. Through guided learning and independent study, the module emphasises how research can address complex social, environmental, and economic challenges in a sustainable manner.

Computational Mathematics

This module introduces students to essential mathematical concepts and computational techniques required for postgraduate study. It covers topics such as numerical methods, matrix operations, and differential equations, with a focus on real-world applications in science and engineering. Students will develop skills in using MATLAB for solving mathematical problems, visualising solutions, and applying advanced techniques to analyse and address complex challenges. 

By the end of the module, students will have the knowledge and computational skills necessary to apply mathematical principles effectively in their further studies and professional careers.

Study plan

English language levelSemestersCourse lengthStart dateEnd date
IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills)1 semester15 weeksSepFeb
IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills)1 semester15 weeksFebJul
IELTS 6.0 (5.5 in all skills)1 semester15 weeksMaySep
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)2 semesters30 weeksSepJun
IELTS 5.5 (5.5 in all skills)2 semesters30 weeksJanAug

Ranked 13th

in the World for Petroleum Engineering

(QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)

Key facts

Course length

1 or 2 semesters

Entry points: 2 semesters - September, November (Enhanced Induction), or January; 1 semester - September, November (Enhanced Induction) or May

Age: students are normally 20 years of age or older on the first day of their academic programme at the International Study Centre.

Entry requirements: visit our entry requirements page for a list of academic, English language and country-specific entry requirements for all programmes.

Progression degrees

This programme can lead to one of the postgraduate degrees in the table below. Grades and progression degrees are guidelines and subject to change.

Please note, for English Grades: W stands for Writing,  R is Reading, L is Listening and S is Speaking

All the below progression degrees are available for a February or September masters entry. 

Degree Programme NameAwardOverall GradeEnglish Grade
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